20th February 2025, Kathmandu
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic arm of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, is discontinuing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
CZI Shifts Focus DEI Programs
This decision comes shortly after the organization had reassured employees that it would maintain its DEI initiatives, even as Meta, its parent company, scaled back its efforts.
CZI’s Shift in Strategy
CZI’s move marks a significant departure from its previous approach. The organization will now refocus its efforts on science, particularly biology and artificial intelligence (AI). In an internal communication, COO Marc Malandro stated that the shift aligns with CZI’s core mission as a science-focused philanthropic organization. He also emphasized that the decision is a response to evolving regulatory and legal considerations.
Cutting DEI Programs and Social Advocacy
As part of the changes, CZI is phasing out internal DEI programs, ceasing its social advocacy funding, and terminating its “Diverse Slate Practice”—a policy designed to ensure that diverse candidates are considered for open roles. This is a reversal from earlier reassurances made to staff when Meta, also led by Zuckerberg, announced similar cuts to its DEI initiatives earlier this year.
CZI has also canceled its Science Diversity Leadership Awards, which had distributed $1.5 million to support underrepresented researchers in the field. The organization will continue to support a broad range of candidates, but the focus will now be entirely on scientific advancement and AI, Malandro explained in his email.
The Larger Context: Meta’s Influence on CZI
CZI’s staff had initially been assured that the organization would remain committed to its DEI principles, distinct from Meta’s actions. However, recent events have shown that CZI often mirrors its parent company’s policies. Following Meta’s announcement to dismantle its DEI programs, CZI employees voiced concerns about potential impacts on their operations. Despite reassurances from leadership, the decision to cut DEI programs has now been made.
Zuckerberg’s Philanthropy at a Crossroads
Since its establishment in 2015, CZI has pledged billions in grants aimed at advancing science, education, and health. The shift away from DEI represents a stark contrast to Zuckerberg and Chan’s original vision. CZI, led by the couple as co-CEOs, has previously committed to using their fortune to drive social change. However, with this latest move, their focus is now squarely on scientific progress and AI development.
In summary, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is re-aligning its priorities, focusing on science and technology at the expense of DEI programs. This shift, while reflective of broader trends in corporate philanthropy, marks a significant change in direction for the initiative.
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